CHR condemns death of PMMA cadet, urges thorough investigation

The Commission on Human Rights on Monday denounced the incident within the premises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) that resulted in the death of a cadet.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the CHR is concerned over the death of 19-year-old Cadet Fourth Class Jonash Bondoc, who was found unresponsive in a PMMA restroom last week and declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Cadet Third Class Jomel Gloria admitted punching Bondoc twice, resulting in the victim collapsing and losing his consciousness.

Based on the autopsy, Bondoc died of blunt traumatic injury.

Gloria posted bail on Thursday following the homicide charge filed against him.

"Despite the confession of the suspect, also a cadet, that he was responsible for the death of his colleague and it was meant to be a 'farewell' gesture or 'lambing' (expression of affection), the Commission denounces the violence that happened within the premises of a higher education institution," the CHR said.

The CHR called on the administrators and authorities to ensure that the incident will not happen again inside the PMMA.

"The institution is also reminded that it is obliged by law to protect peace, safety and security of the students at all times and must put mechanisms in place to avoid this senseless death," it added.

"Schools, universities, and similar institutions should be a place where our youth are given an opportunity for a better future, not where dreams and lives end," it added.

The CHR said it will launch an independent probe on the matter through its office in Region III.

"We express our deepest condolences to the family of the victim and hope that a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities on the case will also be launched to ensure the full delivery of justice for the fallen cadet." — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News